Thompson delighted with Northern Ireland recall

Blues defender talks about his recent recall, about the chance to impress and how his pre-season routine might change…

Adam Thompson has been named in Northern Ireland's squad for their training camp in Manchester between May 22nd and 25th.

Blues defender Adam Thompson is thrilled to be given the opportunity to impress Northern Ireland at their upcoming training camp.

The 24-year-old made 45 appearances at centre back in all competition for Blues in the 2016/17 season alongside Anton Ferdinand.

And he is relishing the four day camp in Manchester, starting on 22nd May, to try and make the Green and White Army’s squad for the New Zealand friendly in June.

“I was buzzing when I got the call,” said Thompson.

“I was in the car with Anthony Wordsworth when I got the call and he was really chuffed for me as well and congratulated me straight away.

“I was just over the moon at the news because it’s the biggest honour in the game. I was on the phone to my family straight away and they were really proud of me.

“Obviously I’m happy with how the season has gone personally, but with how the Northern Ireland squad has done at the Euros and every qualifying campaign, I knew it would always be hard to break in even if I had a season like I have.

“Luckily I’ve been given a chance, even though it’s a training camp. It’s just an honour to be thought of and have an opportunity to impress.”

Thompson represented his country in 2011, but feels he’s better equipped this time around for the challenge.

“I think when I was there before I was really young, about 17 or 18, and I probably wasn’t quite aware of how big it was. I probably wasn’t quite ready for it but this time I realise how big it is and I feel I’m ready for it now.

“I’m still quite young but one of the strongest positions in the squad is centre back, so it’s a tough ask for me.

“Even though the lads that have been in the squad recently are older than me, they’re still playing Premier League football and they’re still going very strong.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to impress the players and management staff and for the future to be in their thoughts.

“I’m happy for the opportunity and I’m going to go there and enjoy it because you never know it might not happen again.”

After planning to rest and recuperate during the close season, Thompson’s plans have been turned upside down.

And he explained how he will keep fit before heading to the camp in under two weeks’ time and how his pre-season might change.

“The sports science team at the club wanted me to rest for a good month and do nothing but now this has changed my plans.

“I’ll be going in and seeing Mark Williams, Jamie Douglas and Ben Clarkson and they’re going to be doing little programmes with me to keep me sharp.

“We might have to tailor my pre-season programme because I won’t be getting as much rest as others.

“The priority for me at the moment is my next possible match and what I’m going to be working towards which is Northern Ireland so I need to keep fit.”